SFWMD partners with the Corps of Engineers in managing the levels of Lake Okeechobee

The Corps of Engineers (“the Corps). has primary responsibility for insuring that the levels of Lake Okeechobee (“O”) remain at the proper heights dependintg on whether weather forecasting calls for dry or wet weather.  In dry seasons, the Corps prepares for the lowering of the levels in Lake O, often drawing down on several reservoirs retaining some lake water for such purpose.  In wet seasons, the Corps

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may need to decrease the probability of the water level rising to an elevation that could threaten the stability of the Herbert Hoover Dike. The lake’s water level can rise up to six times faster than water can be discharged. The Corps strives to maintain Lake Okeechobee’s water level between 12.5 feet and 15.5 feet NGVD. By initially prescribing low-volume releases, the regulation schedule reduces the frequency of larger releases that have greater impact on receiving water bodies. However, if inflows and levels continue to increase, larger releases are required. The Corps continuously monitors the effects of direct rainfall and any releases on the primary waterways and the receiving estuaries. The Corps confers with its partner agencies and stakeholders to modify releases to help minimize impacts to waterway communities and coastal waters.

What Does the Term G.S.V.D. Mean in determining the levels of  Lake Okeechobee?

The term G.S.V.D. means Geodetic Survey Vertical Datum of 1929. Before 1929, all maps were prepared with elevations based on “mean Sea Level Datum of 1929.” In the 1970’s, the name was changed to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929. One of the reasons for the name change was that it was found that the sea is actually not level.Jul 26, 2013.